Apple Rolls Out iOS 5.1.1 Software Update

Apple released the iOS 5.1.1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch on Monday. The mobile operating system update is packed with fixes for a couple of bugs which includes known issues on Safari vulnerabilities and the 2G/3G Switching Bug.

About iOS 5.1.1 Software Update

Last May 7, Apple launched its latest iOS 5.1.1 software update, and it is now available for download via iTunes. The iOS 5.1 users can also access the smaller delta update straight to their iOS device through the Settings application. Labeled as “Build 9B206”, the new mobile OS is compatible for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, third and fourth-generation iPod Touch, and all iPad models.

As noted by the company, the software update contains the following improvements and bug fixes:

HDR option reliability improvement for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut

Bug fixes for AirPlay video playback and 2G-to-3G network switching for the new iPad

More reliable Safari bookmarks and Reading List synchronization

Alert repair for “Unable to purchase” notification after a successful purchase

Patching Up Safari Vulnerabilities

Other than the said iOS 5.1.1 features, the software update also brings in security fixes for Safari vulnerabilities. This includes a URL spoofing issue that is found in the browser. The new mobile OS addresses this issue by providing an improved URL handling.

Multiple security holes in the open source WebKit rendering engine were also cited. This could lead to cross-site scripting attacks from malicious websites. The said vulnerabilities were used during Google’s Pwnium contest at the CanSecWest Conference last March.

The WebKit also has a memory corruption issue that could lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. Discovered by Google’s security team, it usually occurs when a user visited a phony website.

Squashing the new iPad 2G-3G Switching Bug

With iOS 5.1.1 as the first software update for the new iPad, it is expected to bring in a number of bug fixes. This includes a patch for a vulnerability that causes users to lose their cellular data connection access.

It is the most annoying bug that owners of the new iPad have been vocal about on the Apple Support Forum for a while now. That’s because it switches the tablet’s network between 2G and 3G. In turn, users temporarily lost their access to a cellular connection network. Prior to the update, the only solution to this problem is to reboot the device, which could be a lengthy process and something that owners have to carry out a couple of times a day.

While the iOS 5.1.1 will be bringing in bug fixes for various Apple devices, it is expected that the company will unveil its iOS 6 on their upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference this year. WWDC will take place at Moscone West in San Francisco, California, and will run from June 11 to June 15.